“We are seeing new investment in the area to reflect the economic boom,” Burk says enthusiastically. Pointing to other examples, Burk mentions that the Mid Sussex Shopping Center is also under renovation with large chain retail operations such as Planet Fitness opening their doors. Helping with the influx of potential business and economic growth the town has found a valuable partner in the Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce, particularly when it comes to the historic downtown core. “The chamber has a resurgence and a new life with new leadership and a new board. We are working with them hand in hand to look at the downtown and we have also created an economic development group with the chamber,” Burk remarks. “We have some amazing opportunities in our downtown area. New town restaurants have opened up and a third is in the fit-out process and a fourth has a letter of intent that outlines a complete redevelopment of an old restaurant building that sat vacant for a couple of years,” Burk expands. The town also boasts a theater that dates back to the 1930s formally named the Ball Theater and since renamed the Millstone Theater. “It is a hidden gem.An amazing property and it is just a matter of getting the private ownership to move forward to get it to the point where it is adding value to the downtown area,” Burk explains. Also in the town’s favor is Delaware’s tax structure which has helped to draw retirees from the MidAtlantic area, from New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, and have chosen Millsboro as their new home. “It is exciting to watch that growth and to be a part of it,” Burk states. COMMUNITY OUTREACH LINKS TO FURTHER GROWTH “We are poised for some great things in the downtown area.” “This year we have opened up a 142 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx